Movies like The Great Buddha Arrival (2018)
The best movies like The Great Buddha Arrival (2018) are The Primevals (2023), Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999) and Gamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996). If The Great Buddha Arrival hooked you with its fantasy and science fiction, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedGodzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002)7.5/10 from 280 votes
- NewestA Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)Released 2025
- In JapaneseGamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)Also in Japanese
The Primevals (2023)
Deep in the Himalayas, a group of sherpas kills a gigantic humanoid creature. Convinced that it is the legendary Yeti, Dr. Claire Collier organizes an expedition with her former student Matt Connor and hunter Rondo Montana, among others, to search for more specimens. But what awaits them is something that none of them could have imagined. A colorful fusion of real image and stop-motion that is reminiscent of fantastic films from the 1980s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)
With the Gyaos re-emerging, Gamera's ties to humanity have been severed with his bond to Asagi broken. Nagamine and Asagi investigate while an orphaned girl named Ayana discovers a new creature she names Iris. Nagamine and Asagi must reach Ayana before she takes her revenge on Gamera, who she blames for the death of her family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996)
A strange meteor lands in Japan and unleashes hundreds of insect-like "Legion" creatures bent on colonizing the Earth. When the military fails to control the situation, Gamera shows up to deal with the ever-evolving space adversary. However the battle may result in Gamera losing his bond with both Asagi and humanity.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStrawberry Mansion (2021)
In the not-too-distant future, an all-seeing surveillance state conducts “dream audits” to collect taxes on the unconscious lives of the populace. Mild-mannered government agent James Preble travels to a remote farmhouse to audit the dreams of Arabella “Bella” Isadora, an eccentric, aging artist. Entering Bella’s vast VHS archive, which contains a lifetime of dreams, Preble stumbles upon a secret that offers him a chance at love—and hope for escape.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody (2006)
In Karakura Town, unidentifiable spirits begin appearing en mases. While attempting to deal with these strange souls, Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki meet Senna, a mysterious shinigami who wipes out most of them. Senna refuses to answer any questions, so Ichigo is forced to follow her while Rukia tries to find out what's going on.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGodzilla: Final Wars (2004)
Humanity finally rids themselves of Godzilla, imprisoning him in an icy tomb in the South Pole. All is peaceful until various monsters emerge to lay waste to Earth's cities. Overwhelmed, humanity is seemingly saved by a race of benevolent aliens known as Xiliens. But not all is what it seems with these bizarre visitors. If humanity wishes to survive, they must reluctantly resurrect their most hated enemy, Godzilla.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025)
In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force, when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8." An action-packed recap of the first season of Kaiju No. 8 and a new original episode, Hoshina's Day Off.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGodzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002)
JSDF pilot Akane has a fateful encounter when a new Godzilla emerges in Tateyama. As a countermeasure, a cyborg named Kiryu is constructed from the remains of the original. The machine is discovered to harbor the restless soul of the original monster as Akane must learn to find value in her own life as well.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
Sarah and David are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present... and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Wave (2019)
A man on the verge of a promotion takes a mysterious hallucinogenic drug that begins to tear down his reality and expose his life for what it really is.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPastoral: To Die in the Country (1974)
A director faces creative block while working on his latest film – a reimagination of his adolescence growing up in a mountain village in rural Japan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGodzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
An independent group of researchers called the Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN) actively track Godzilla as he makes landfall in Nemuro. Matters are further complicated when a giant meteor is discovered in the Ibaragi Prefecture. The mysterious rock begins to levitate as it's true intentions for the world and Godzilla are revealed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGodzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
A mysterious extraterrestrial being resembling Godzilla rapidly approaches Earth. The monster, dubbed SpaceGodzilla, lands to challenge the King of the Monsters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Whispering Star (2015)
A feminine android delivers packages to scattered humans throughout the galaxy. With years to spare, the android and us have time to contemplate the meaning of being human.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTimescape (1992)
Before they can complete renovations on their new country inn, a widowed father and his young daughter are visited by a strange group of tourists. He soon makes a chilling discovery: they are disaster junkies from the future who visit the past to witness history's greatest catastrophes—and his small town is their next stop.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisReturn of Giant Majin (1966)
The tyrannical Lord Danjo Mikoshiba covets the rich, fertile lands surrounding Lake Yakumo. During a memorial ceremony for the late Chigusa lord, Mikoshiba launches an attack, overthrowing the honorable Lord Juro. Just when all seems lost, Daimajin rises from Lake Yakumo to settle a score of his own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAfterlife of the Party (2021)
A social butterfly who dies during her birthday week is given a second chance to right her wrongs on Earth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Resurrected (1991)
Charles Dexter Ward, a wealthy scientist, uses an ancient diary and human remains to begin a terrifying and bloody pursuit for immortality.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel (2013)
A side story of the original Kara no Kyōkai - the Garden of sinners movie series divided into 2 parts. In the first part, Shizune Seo, who finds her life too predictable due to her precognition, and Mitsuru Kamekura, who uses his precognition to be a professional bomber, meet Mikiya and Shiki, respectively, and their futures begin to change. In the second part, 10 years after the original series, Shiki and Mikiya's daughter, Mana Ryōgi, spends a day with Mitsuru.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpring (2014)
A young man in a personal tailspin flees the US to Italy, where he sparks up a romance with a woman harboring a dark, primordial secret.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEbirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)
Searching for his brother, Ryota stows away on a boat belonging to a criminal alongside two other teenagers. The group shipwrecks on Letchi island and discover the Infant Island natives have been enslaved by a terrorist organization controlling a crustacean monster. Finding a sleeping Godzilla, they decide to awaken him to defeat the terrorists and liberate the natives.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRebirth of Mothra II (1997)
The fairies from Infant Island discover a lost city, as well as a giant monster that is attracted to environmental calamities.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction & fantasy
SnoozefestMovies like thisRebirth of Mothra (1996)
A new Mothra takes to the air and battles against Desghidorah to save all of humanity.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGodzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
Godzilla has become a distant memory for Japan when the destruction of a US submarine raises alarms for Admiral Tachibana. His estranged daughter Yuri investigates the legend of the guardian monsters, who must rise to protect Japan against the vengeful spirits within Godzilla that seek to destroy both the nation and its people for the suffering they inflicted in the Pacific conflict.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRebirth of Mothra III (1998)
To save the world, Mothra goes back in time in an attempt to defeat a younger King Ghidorah.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction & fantasy
Ultraman Story (1984)
The film centers around Ultraman Taro growing up, and wanting to join the Ultra Brothers in battle. His family, however, thinks he is too young. Taro eventually proves himself after saving the 5 Ultra Brothers from the evil Grand King, created by Juda.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
Destroy All Monsters (1968)
At the turn of the century, all of the Earth's monsters have been rounded up and kept safely on Monsterland. Chaos erupts when a race of she-aliens known as the Kilaaks unleash the monsters across the world.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe War of the Gargantuas (1966)
Gaira, a humanoid sea beast spawned from the discarded cells of Frankenstein's monster, attacks the shores of Tokyo. While the Japanese military prepares to take action, Gaira's Gargantua brother, Sanda, descends from the mountains to defend his kin. A battle between good and evil ensues, leaving brothers divided and a city in ruins.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFrankenstein Conquers the World (1965)
During WWII, Germans obtain the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster and transport it to Japan to prevent it being seized by the Allies. Kept in a Hiroshima laboratory, it is seeming lost when the United States destroys the city with the atomic bomb. Years later a wild boy is discovered wandering the streets of the city alone, born of the immortal heart.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUltraman Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army (1984)
Ultraman Zoffy explains to the audience about the history of the Ultra series alongside Pigmon, while having to fight off with various seijin foes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Great Buddha Arrival?
The closest matches to The Great Buddha Arrival are The Primevals (2023), Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999) and Gamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Great Buddha Arrival?
Start with The Primevals (2023), the closest match to The Great Buddha Arrival.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Great Buddha Arrival?
Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002), rated 7.5/10 by 280 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Great Buddha Arrival?
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like The Great Buddha Arrival?
Yes: Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999), Gamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996) and Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody (2006).
How are movies similar to The Great Buddha Arrival chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Great Buddha Arrival, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.